Warner Bros. Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Dog Interview Promo for "The End of Oak Street"

David Robert Mitchell's upcoming sci-fi film "The End of Oak Street" — starring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery — has drawn online backlash after a promotional clip created by the "DogPack" podcast account using AI-generated content was found to have been approved by Warner Bros. The clip featured AI-generated dog characters, including a stand-in for the film's canine character Starbuck, conducting a mock interview. The video has since been removed from official pages but continues to circulate online.

The controversy is notable for involving AI in promotional material rather than in the film itself, a distinction that has done little to temper criticism from audiences and industry observers. Social media responses ranged from frustration at studio decision-making to concern about the broader message sent to creative workers. Some commenters urged fans not to direct their anger at the film's cast and crew, who had no involvement in the promotional decision. The film is set for theatrical release on August 14.